Extended polylactone diol compositions

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to improved block copolycarbonates containing an amorphous, soft, rubbery segment or block composed of lactone units and other crystalline, hard, thermoplastic segment or block composed of dihydric phenol carbonate units. The present invention also relates to novel liquid compositions formed by extending an appropriate polylactone diol with an extending agent selected from the group consisting of dihydric phenols, aliphatic diols, dicarboxylic acids and hydroxy monocarboxylic acids. The aforementioned extended diols are particularly useful in the production of the block copolycarbonates of this invention. This invention also contemplates a novel method for reducing the extent of annealing time normally required for the primary crystallization of a block copolycarbonate of this invention comprising including in the block copolycarbonate composition, prior to primary crystallization, a nucleating agent.

United States Patent 11 Matzner 1 1 EXTENDED POLYLACTONE DlOL COMPOSITIONS Markus Matzner, Edison, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Union Carbide Corporation, New

York, NY.

[22] Filed: Mar. 24, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 127,819

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 792,125, Jan. 17, 1969, Pat. No.

[75] Inventor:

Primary Examiner-Lorraine A. Weinberger Assistant Examiner-Paul .1. Killos Attorney, Agent, or FirmEugene C. Trautlein [451 Oct. 22, 1974 5 7] ABSTRACT This invention relates to improved block copolycarbonates containing an amorphous, soft, rubbery seg' ment or block composed of lac'tone units and other crystalline, hard, thermoplastic segment or block composed of dihydric phenol carbonate units.

The present invention also relates to novel liquid compositions formed by extending an appropriate polylactone diol with an extending agent selected from the group consisting of dihydriic phenols, aliphatic diols, dicarboxylic acids and hydroxy monocarboxylic acids. The aforementioned extended diols are particularly useful in the production of the block copolycarbonates of this invention.

This invention also contemplates a novel method for reducing the extent of annealing time normally required for the primary crystallization of a block copolycarbonate of this invention comprising including in the block copolycarbonate composition, prior to primary crystallization, a nucleating agent.

2 Claims, N0 Drawings EXTENDED POLYLACTONE DlOL COMPOSITIONS This application is a divisional of Ser. No. 792,125, filed 01/17/1969, now US. Pat. No. 3,641,200.

Block copolycarbonates of the general class to which the present invention is concerned are well known in the art. There have been a number of patents which have issued in the past few years on block copolycarbonates such, for example, as US. Goldberg Pat. No. 3,161,615 and U.l(. Pat. No. 965,085. Among the many literature references relating to the general subject are Elastomeric Polycarbonate Block Copolymers by E. P. Goldberg, J. Polymer Sci, C4, 707 (1963); Block Copolymers Based on 2,2-(4-hydroxy phenyl) propane Polycarbonate," part 1 and part II, appearing respectively in J. Polymer, Sci, 55, 343 (1961) and J. Polymer Sci, A3 2189 (1965).

An object of this invention is to provide an improved block copolycarbonate which has a highly desirable balance of properties, in particular good thermal stability at elevated temperatures.

This invention relates to novel copolycarbonates which are block copolymers. Block copolymers are composed of at least two segments or blocks, at least one segment or block being of one type of unit or group (e.g., lactone units as in the block copolymers of this invention) and at least one other segment or block composed of a different type of units or groups (e.g.,

. dihydric phenol carbonate groups). Block copolymers can have linear, cyclic, branched or cross linked structures.

The block copolycarbonates of this invention comprise (1) divalent carbonate groups (i.e.,

(2) divalent polylactone moieties containing a plurality of lactone groups represented by the formula:

( l R zl wherein R is selected from the class consisting of hydrogen and monovalent hydrocarbon groups free of unsaturation and having 1 to 18 carbon and g is an integer of 5 or 6; and, (3) divalent aromatic carbocyclic residues derived from a dihydric phenol by removal of the hydroxyl groups, each of at least some of said carbonate groups being attached to two aromatic carbocyclic residues, and each of at least some of the carbonate groups linking one of said aromatic carbocyclic residues to one of said divalent polylactone moieties, the polylactone moieties being in an amount from about 50 to 80 percent by weight of the total composition.

Preferred block copolymers of this invention are represented by the formula:

wherein R is a divalent organic radicalnpreferably a divalent hydrocarbon (e.g., aliphatic) radical or two or more such divalent hydrocarbon radicals joined by phatic unsaturation and having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and g is an integer of 5 or 6; and,

wherein DH is a divalent aromatic carbocyclic group derived from a dihydric phenol by removal of the hydroxy groups; and,

wherein x and y have values so that the relative weight of the polylactone blocks are 5 0 to percent by weight and the dihydric phenol polycarbonate blocks are 50 to 20 percent by weight of the total composition; and,

wherein n is an integer so that the molecular weight of the polylactone segment is in the range of 500 to 3,000; and,

wherein m has a value so that the block copolymer has a reduced viscosity of at least 0.70 in chloroform (0.2 gram block copolymer/ ml. solution at 25C; and,

wherein the block copolycarbonate has a glass transition temperature below 0C (preferably below 10C) and a tensile modulus of 100 p.s.i. at a temperature of C (preferably 200 C), said tensile modulus being referred to hereinafter as T The block copolymers of this invention are useful in the same manner as the heretofore known block copolycarbonates (e.g., fibers, conveyor belts, shoe soles, etc.). Other uses are impact modifiers, tackifiers, plasticizers, adhesives and binders.

The novel copolycarbonates of this invention may be prepared by any of the known methods for producing block copolycarbonates such, for example, as the ester exchange method, the interfacial method or the solution method disclosed in the article Elastomeric Polycarbonate Block Copolymers by Eugene P. Goldberg, Journal of Polymer Science, C4, 707 (1963).

The preferred method for the production of the block copolycarbonates of this invention is the known solution technique disclosed in the above referred to Goldberg article as well as US. Goldberg Pat. No. 3,161,615. In this method, the appropriate diol reactants are incorporated in a suitable organic base such as a tertiary amine (e.g., pyridine, substituted pyridines such, for example, as 3-methyl-pyridine, 4-methylpyridine, 3-chloro-pyridine and 4-chloro-pyridine; dimethylaniline, quinoline, substituted quinolines such, for example, as 3-methyl quinoline, 4-methyl quinoline, 3-chloro quinoline and 4-chloro quinoline; etc.) and reaction effected with phosgene or a dibasic acid halide.

As pointed out in the US. Goldberg patent, the base can be used undiluted or diluted with inert solvents, for example hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, etc., and halocarbons such as chloroform, chlorobenzene, methylene dichloride, etc. The use of tertiary amine as bases is advantageous in that they serve to eatalyze the reaction, are good solvents, and act as acceptors for halogen acid given off during the rection. Although the phosgene reaction can be carried out over a wide range of temperatures, for example from below l0C to over 100C, the reaction proceedsatisfactorily at 0 to 50C.

In employing the preferred solution technique, the block copolycarbonates of this invention may be prepared by a direct one step reaction of phosgene or any other dibasic acid halide with a dihydric phenol and an appropriate hydroxyl terminated polyacetone (molecular weight 500-3,000) in an appropriate solvent (e.g., methylene chloride/pyridine solvent) or by a two-step technique wherein a bischloroformate of a dihydric phenol is first formed and then reacted with more dihydric phenol and the hydorxyl terminated polylactone, or a two-step process wherein both the bischloroformate of the dihydric phenol and bischloroformate of the hydroxyl terminated polylactone are first formed and then reacted with more dihydric phenol.

In all of the above-mentioned processes, the total number of moles of acid halide end groups must be approximately equal to the total number of hydroxy end groups. By employing the two-step techniques a block copolycarbonate of a more regular structure is formed.

in forming the block copolycarbonates of this invention, the carbonate precusor (e.g., phosgene) is used in an amount equal to at least the molar concentration of the dihydric phenol and hydroxyl terminated polylactone.

ln forming the block copolycarbonates of this invention, the dihydric phenols suitably employed include the entire class of such compounds heretofore utilized in the preparation of polycarbonate resins by prior known conventional methods. In general, such dihydric phenols are usually defined as being a mononulcear or polynuclear phenol in which the two hydroxyl groups are directly attached to different nuclear carbon atoms of the same or different aromatic nucleus. The class of suitable dihydric phenols is quite large and includes those compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,950,266

Goldblum, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,964,797 Pie]- stocker et al and my U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,677, whic correspond to the general formula (III) monovalent hydrocarbon radicals containing inert substituents therein, such as halogen (chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.). It will be understood that where more than one R is used, they may be the same or different. R is selected from the group consisting of an alkylene and alkylidene residue such as methylene, ethylene, propylene, propylidene, isopropylidene, butylene, butylidene, amylene, isoamylene, isoamylidene, cyclohexylidene, etc. R can also be a silane radical or can be a polyoxy such as polyethoxy, polypropoxy, polythioethoxy, polybutoxy, polyphenylethoxy or polyorganosiloxy, for example, polydimethyl ethoxy or polyorganosiloxy, polymethylphenyl siloxy, etc., or an ether, a sulfur-containing linkage such as sulfied, sulfoxide, sulfone, a carbonyl, a tertiary nitrogen or silicon containing linkage such as silane or siloxy. R can also consist of two or more alkylene or alkyidene groups, such as above, separated by the residue of an aromatic nucleus, a tertiary amino radical, an ether radical or by a carbonyl radical, a silane or siloxy radical or by a sulfur-containing radical such as sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, etc. Other groupings which can be represented by R will occur to those skilled in the art. Ar is the residue of an aromatic nucleus, Y is a substituent selected from the group consisting of (a) inorganic atoms, (b) inorganic radicals, and (0) organic radicals, (a), (b) and (c) being inert to and unaffected by the reactants and by the reaction conditions, m is a whole number including zero to a maximum equivalent to the number of replaceable nuclear hydrogens substituted on the aromatic hydrocarbon residue, p is a whole number including zero to a maximum determined by the number of replaceable hydrogens on R s ranges from zero to l, t and u are whole numbers, preferably 1. When s is zero, however, either I or u may be zero and not both.

In the dihydric phenol compound, the substituent Y may be the same or different, as may be the R. Among the substituents represented by Y are halogen (e.g., chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.) or oxy radicals of the formula OZ, where Z is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical similar to R, or monovalent hydrocarbon radicals of the type represented by R. Other inert substituents such as a nitro group can be represented by Y. Where s is zero in Formula I, the aromatic nuclei are directly joined with no intervening alkylene or alkylidene or other bridge. The positions of the hydroxyl groups and Y on the aromatic nulcear residues Ar can be varied in the ortho, meta, or para positions and the groupings can be in a vicinal, asymmetrical or symmetrical relationship, where two or more of the nuclearly bonded hydrogens of the aromatic hydrocarbon residue are substituted with y and the hydroxyl group. Examples of dihydric phenol compounds that may be employed in this invention include 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane (Bisphenol-A);

2,2-bis( 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) propane;

2,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl-methane;

bis-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-methane;

bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-methane;

bis-(4-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-methane;

bis-(4-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-3-methoxyphenyl)- methane;

l,l-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl )-ethane;

1,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl )-ethane;

l,l-bis-(4-hydroxy-2-chlorophenyl)-ethane;

l, 1 -bis-( 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl )-ethane;

l,3-bis-( 3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane;

2,2-bis-( 3-phenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl )-propane; 2 2-bis-( 3-isopropyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane; 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxynaphthyl)-propane; 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-pentane; 3,3-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-pentane; 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-heptane; bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl )-phenyl methane; bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl )-cyclohexyl methane; 1,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl )-i ,2-bis-(phenyl) ethane; 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)- l ,3-bis-( phenyl propane;

2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-l-phenyl propane; and the like. Also included are dihydroxybenzenes typified by hydroquinone and resorcinol; dihydroxydiphenyls such as 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl; 2,2- dihydroxydiphenyl; 2,4-dihdroxydiphenyl; dihydroxynaphthalenes such as 2,o-dihydroxynaphthalene, etc. Dihydroxy aryl sulfones such as bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)- sulfone; 2,4-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone; 5chloro-2,4'-

dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone; 5 -chloro-2 ',4- dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone; 5 -chloro-2 '4- dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone; 3 -chloro-4,4'-

dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, bis (4-hydroxy phenyl) biphenyl disulfone, etc. The preparation of these and p,p'-dihydroxydiphenyl ether; the 4,3'-, 4,2'-, 3,3'-, 2,2'-, 2,3-etc., dihydroxydiphenyl ethers;

4,4-dihydroxy-2,6-dimethyldiphenyl ether; 4,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethy1diphenyl ether; 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-di-isobutyldiphenyl ether; 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-diisopropyldiphenyl ether; 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,2'-dinitrodipheny1 ether; 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3-difluorodipheny1 ether; 4,4-dihydroxy-2,3'-dibromodiphenyl ether; 4,4'-dihydroxydinaphthyl ether; 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3 '-dich1orodinaphthyl ether; 2,4-dihydroxytetraphenyl ether; 2,4-dihydroxytetraphenyl ether; 4,4-dihydroxypentaphenyl ether; 4,4'-dihydroxy12,6-dimethoxydiphenyl ether; 4,4-dihydroxy-2,S-diethoxydiphenyl ether, etc. Mixtures of the dihydric phenols can also be employed and where dihydric phenol is mentioned herein, mixtures of such materials are considered to be included. Preferably the dihydric phenol is a gem-bis- (hydroxyphenyl) alkane in which the central alkylidene radical contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

As indicated hereinbefore, the lactone units in the polylactone blocks of the block copolymers of this invention have the following structure:

wherein R is hydrogen or monovalent hydrocarbon as defined above and g in an integer of 5 to 6. Illustrative of such lactone units are epsilon-caprolactone units, e.g., [CH COO,monoa1kyl epsilon-caprolactone units, e.g., C(CH H (CH COO, Cl-1 C(C, H H (CH COO, and the like, dialkyl epsilon-caprolactones, e.g., C(C H HC(C H H (CHM-COO, CH C(C H )1-1CH C(CH )HCH- COO-, and the like, cycloalkyl, aryl alkaryl and analkyl epsilon-caprolactones, e.g., (CH 6 l1) 2)2 "v (CH2)3C(C6H5)HCH' COO--, C( CH C 1-1 )H(CH -COO, and the like wherein C H is cyclohexyl, C 11 is phenyl and -CH C H is benzyl.

The polylactone segments are provided, for example, by using as a reactant a polylactone diol represented by the formula:

(1V) l-lO-R-O CO-(CR O],,H I wherein R, R 3 and n are the same as in formula 11.

The following examples illustrate the preparation of block-copolycarbonates of this invention by direct phosgenation of a mixture of the dihydric phenol and the polylactone diol in methylene chloride/pyridine solvent (60/40 wt. ratio). The same general procedure described with respect to Example 1 was used in Example 2 to 5.

1n the Tables which appear hereinlater a number of abbreviations are used. The abbreviations are now given followed by the full names.

Reduced Viscosity React. Mixt. Reaction Mixture Mod. Modulus Str. Strength Elong. Elongation P. lmp. Pendulum Impact about m Mole millimole Amt. Amount Mol. Wt. Molecular Weight Cryst. Crystallization T.M, Tensile Modulus M 100% Modulus 300% M 300% Modulus T.S. Tensile Strength E. Elongation Examples 1 thru 5 which follow illustrate the preparation of block copolymers from a mixture of a polycaprolactone diol of a molecular weight of 840 (Polylactone I) and bisphenol A via the direct phosgenation method.

Reduced viscosity (RV) is determined by dissolving a 0.2 gram sample of polymer in chloroform in a 100 ml volumetric flask so that the resultant solution measures exactly 100 ml at 25C in a constant temperature bath. The viscosity of 3 ml of the solution which has been filtered through a sintered glass funnel is determined by a viscometer at 25C. Reduced viscosity values are obtained from the equation:

Reduced Viscosity t, t /c't wherein:

t is the efflux time of the pure solvent t, is the efflux time of the polymer solution c is the concentration of the polymer solution expressed in terms of grams of polymer per 100 ml of solution Glass transition temperature (Tg), commonly referred to as the second order phase: transition temperature, refers to the inflection temperatures found by plotting the resilience (recovery from one per cent elongation) of a film ranging in thickness from 3 to 15 mils against the temperature. See Brown, Textile Research Journal, 25, 891 (1955).

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of a block-copolycarbonate from Polylactone 1 and bisphenol-A Reagents:

Polylactone 1 (See Table 1) Bisphenol-A high purity, m.p. 155156C.

Methylene Chloride and Pyridine, dried over 4A molecular sieves.

Phosgene-Matheson 99 purity. Apparatus A three-neck 500 ml. flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, reflux condenser, thermometer, and dry-argon and phosgene inlet-tubes. The argon is circulatedover the reaction mixture; phosgene is bubbled into the mixture. The addition of phosgene was made from a tank placed on a solution balance. Experiment Polylactone 1, 12.83 gm. (0.01527 mole; 45 wt. pcr cent, 18.2 percent m. based on the: total diol charge), bisphenol-A, 15.67 gms. (0.06864 m; 55 wt. percent, 81.8 mole percent based on the total diol charge), pyridine, 100 ml., and methylene chloride, ml., were charged into the flask. Stirring and circulation of dry Approximately 8 grns. (96 percent of the required amount) of phosgene were added to the mixture within uum) till constant weight. Yield: 93.6 percent RV (CHCl 25C.; 0.2 g. /100 ml) 1.35.

EXAMPLES 2 Following the same general procedure as used in Ex- 5 ll mlnutes. A cooltng 1ce-water bath was maintained ample 1, f r ther block copolycarbonates (Example around the flask during that period of time. The tem- 2 5) were prepared varying the amounts of reactants. perature of the mixture rose to 30C. A white precipl- Examples 1 5 are summarized in Table 1. tate of pyridine hydrochloride formed. The cooling Examples 6 thru 9 (Table 11) relate to block-copolybath was removed and the rate of the addition of phosl0 carbonates prepared by direct phosgenation of a mixgene substantially decreased. After 14 additional minture of polycaprolactone diol of a molecular weight of utes, the reation mixture was very viscous and practi- 1993 (Polylactone l1) and bisphenol A. cally colorless. its temperature was 30C. The phosgen- Examples thru 14 (Table 111) illustrate block ation was stopped. Reaction cycle: minutes. The copolycarbonates prepared by direct phosgenation of polymer solution was coagulated in 2 liters of metha- 15 a mixture of various polycaprolactone diols and dihynol. The white fluff was washed twice with methanol dric phenols other than bisphenol A. and twice with distilled water. Each wash: 2 liters of Tables A and B summarize various physical propersolvent; 5 minutes of vigorous stirring in the Waring ties of a number of the block copolycarbonates of this Blendor. It was then dried at about 60C (under vacinvention.

TABLE 1 Block-Cogolycarbonates from Bisghenol A and Polylactone 1' Example Polylactone l lsp eno o ymerlzation Color Polymer No. Wt. Mole Wt. Mole Time Temp. Reaction Mixture Coag. Polym. RV Yield (hrs.) (C.)

2 65 33.51 66.49 1.08 20-31 Pract. colorless White 1.35 90.7 3 60 28.93 70.07 0.5 21-35 Colorless White 1.94 93.3 4 55 24.92 75.08 0.7 22.5-36 Light-yellow White 2.72 91.3 5 21.37 50 78.63 0.48 24-38 Colorless White 1.49 93.9 1 45 18.2 81.8 0.42 22-30 Colorless White 1.35 93.6

1. Polylactone l is a polycaprolactone of mol. Wt. 840. It is obtained The percentages are based upon the total diol charged only. All RV's in CHCI, at 25 C. (Dig/IOU ml.).

by the base-catalyzed polymerization of e-L'aprolactone with diethylene glycol as initiator.

TABLE 11 Block-Copolycarbonates from Bisghenol-A and Polvlactone 11 Example Pol ylactone ll Bisphenol-A Color Polymer No. Wt. Mole Wt. Mole Reaction Reaction Mixture Coagulated Polym. RV Yield Time(hr) ('70) 6 14.66 40 85.34 2 Pract. colorless White 2.18 94.8 7 55 12.26 45 87.74 0.75 Light-yellow White 1.85 91.7 8 50 10.26 50 89.74 0.33 Colorless White 1.86 94 9 45 8.56 55 91.44 0.58 Pract. colorless White 1.60 93.6

" Polylactone II is a polycaprolactone. molecular weight 1.993. obtained by the base-catalyzed polymerization of e-cuprolactone with diethylene glycol as initiator.

- The percentages are based on the total diol charge only. The temperature in all runs was kept within l8-33C. All RVs in CHCI at 25C. (0.2 .1100 m1).

TABLE III Block-Conolvcarhonates From DiHvdric Phenols Other Than BisphenoI-A Example Amorphous Reaction No. Block Bisghenol Time Color Polymer Remarks 76 Wt. Mole Z Wt. 70 Mole (hr.) React. Mixt. Coag. Polym. RV Yield(%) 10 Polylactone 1 Hydroquinone 19.57 35 80.43 0.84 Yellow Light yellow 0.20 91.2 Polymers crystalized from radiation 1 l Polylaetone l Hydroquinone 23.42 76.58 0.84 Yellow Light yellow 0.46 92.9 do. 12 Polylactone l Hydroquinone 28.21 25 0.5 Light brown Light yellow 0.49 85.9 do. 13 Polylactone 11 4,4 dihydroxy benzophenone 60 13.88 40 86.12 0.53 Jrown grown 0.33 63.7 do.

TABLE lll Continued Example Amorphous No. Block Bisghenol Time Color Polymer Remarks Wt. Mole Wt. Mole (hr.) React. Mtxt. Coag. Polym. RV Yield(%) l4 Polylactone ll Dihydroxbenzophenone" 60 13.88 40 86.l2 0.84 Dark yellow Tan 1 0.80 94.7 Color is probably due to impurities in sturtin diphenol (initial solution of reactants was also dark yellow) The percentages are based on the total diol charge only.

The temperature ofthe reactions was kept within the interval of -l-35C. All RV's in m-crcsnl, at 25C. (0.2 gjlOO ml.).

Mixture of isomers.

TABLE A v Properties of Block-copolycarbonates from Bisphenol-A and lolylactonel Polylactone Bisphenol Tensile (percent) (percent) Mold P. imp. Ex. temp. Annealed Mod. Sir. Elong. (ft. lbs. No. \Vt. Mole Wt. Mole C.) RV (T) (p.s.i.) (p.s.i.) (percent) 111.) Tg Crystallinity No 3,800 5, 6008, 000 -20 Low or none. 1 45 10.2 55 81.8 150 0.05 Yes 0,000 8, -20 Medium.

0 2 05 33.51 35 00.40 120 1.20 No 400 30 None. No 500 100000 10 None. 5 00 20.03 40 70. 07 13012.5 1.50

588 38601183 500 10 Low or none. 5 None. 4 44 40 130 600 1,250 500 600 25 Low 01' none.

* Annealed for 16 hrs. at 100 C. b '1gglass transition temperature. c T1temperature at which tensile modulus is 100 p.s.i. d T5ten1perature at which tensile modulus is 1,000. P I;temperature at which tensile modulus is 10,000.

TABLE B Properties of BlockCopolycarh0nates from BisphenoLA and Polylactone II Polylactone I1 Bisphenol-A Tensile (percent) (percent) Mold P. imp. C.) Example temp. Mod. Str. Elong. ([t.lbs./ number Wt. Mole Wt. Mole 0.) RV Annealed (p.s.i.) (p.s.i.) (percent) infi) 'Ig" T1" T3" T2 Crystallinity 6 .1 60 14. 66 40 85.34 170 es 60 Low or none. 1,000 1,700 575 25 25 75 100 Medium-low. 7 55 12.20 07.74 150 040 240 1,000 000 25 75 None.

1,000 2,000 000 000 25 25 100 100 Mediumlow. s 10.20 50 00. 74 150 000 500 020 540 25 05 None.

2, 800 0,100 550 540 25 25 135 175 Medium. 0 45 0.50 01.44 3,100 7,200 500 000 25 100 Low. 5 5,100 7, 200 300 000 25 25 100 Medium.

1 Annealed for 16 hrs. at 100 C.

2 Annealed for 88 hrs. at 128 C.

Annealed for 3 days at 100 C.

4 Annealed for 5 hrs. at 0.

*See Table A.

From the results reported in Tables A and B, it is seen mer. Annealing promotes the desired primary crystalthat block copolycarbonates havinga hard bisphenol A linity. Hence, such block copolymers may be effecpolycarbonate block require an annealing treatment tively spun into fibers or calendered into films smce in order to obtain the desired high temperature propersuch procedures mvolve dynamic crystallization of the ties. The necessity of annealing of such block copoly- 60 hard blocks, 1.e., crystallization on forming the ObjCCt. mers stems from the fact that the bisphenol A polycar- The end effect is equivalent to an annealing treatment. bonate block is amorphous as made and crystallizes it has been found that the annealing time that is reslowly. Crystallinity of this block, referred to as priqutred with the bisphenol Apolycarbonate polylactone mary crystallinity, is required for the development of block copolymers of this invention may be vastly resatisfactory high-temperature properties of the elasto- 5' uCe if the p lyla t n diOl C -P Prior to ea gene) and an appropriate amount of an extender. By

extending the polylactone diol in the aforementioned manner, a longer, soft polylactone block is obtained in the final block copolymer which in turn permits a longer hard bisphenol polycarbonate A hard block since, for a given weight ratio of bisphenol A hard block/polylactone soft block, the longer the soft block used, the longer should be the hard block in the final elastomer. By increasing the length of the hard block, its rate of crystallization is increased and the required annealing time is decreased.

it should be understood that increasing the length of the soft block by using high molecular weight polylactone diol rather than extending the diol is not desirable since the crystallization tendency of the polylactone diol increases with the increase in its average chain length. So does its melting point. When undesirable crystallization (secondary crystallization) occurs to a significant extent in the soft block, products with undesirably high tensile moduli are obtained. They are no longer elastomeric.

On the other hand, block copolymers based on extended polylactone diols (as the soft blocks) of very high molecular weight (e.g., 40,000) do not display the undesirable secondary crystallization which is due to polylactone diol crystallinity. This is so because extended diols even at high molecular weight are liquids at 25 C.

In producing an extended polylactone diol in accordance with the present invention, the molar concentrations of the reactants are such that the resulting extended polylactone diol has a molecular weight in the range of 2,000 to 30,000, preferably 14,000 to 20,000, and the final block copolycarbonate produced from such extended diols has a reduced viscosity of at least about 0.7, e.g., at least about 0.7 and upwards to about 5, and higher, preferably from about 0.7 to about 2.3 or 3 and most preferably from about 1.2 to 1.6, in chloroform (0.2 gram block copolymer/IOO ml. solution at 25C.).

The extending agents used in accordance with the present invention are selected from the group consisting of dihydric phenols, aliphatic diols and dibasic organic acids and mixtures of the foregoing. Hence, the extended diols contain one or more of the following: dihydric phenol moieties, aliphatic diol moieties, the aforementioned moieties beingdivalent radicals ob tained by removal of the hydrogen of the hydroxyl groups from the extending agent. The link between the divalent radical extender and the divalent polylactone residue is either a carbonate group or an ester group.

The extending agents may be saturated aliphatic, saturated cycloaliphatic or aromatic. The aliphatic and cycloaliphatic extenders may also contain olefinic unsaturation. Such unsaturation is for the following reasons:

l. The extended diols can be vulcanized with sulfur to give cross-linked elastomers; and, 2. The extended diols can be used as a base resin in millable gum compositions; and,

3. The block copolycarbonates based on these extended diols can be cross-linked to give products having desirable solvent resistance.

Generally, the extending agent has a molecular weight in the range of 60 to 2,000.

The dihydric phenol suitably employed as an extender includes any of the diphenol heretofore mentioned as reactants in the production of block copolycarbonates of this invention.

The aliphatic diols that may be used as extenders include cycloaliphatic, straight and branched chain diols free of substituent groups reactive toward the other reactants of the reaction system. In general, these diols conform to the formula in which Y can be an alkylene group such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, amylene, isoamylene, neopentylene and the like; an alkenylene group (CH- CH=CHCH or two or more alkylene or alkylidene groups connected by a nonalkylene or nonalkylidene group such as an ether linkage, alkylene groups having pendant double bonds such as monoallyl ether of trimethyol propane;

ers conform to the general formula:

D(G)COH is employed as an additional reactant. ln formula V], D represents either a hydroxyl or a carboxyl group, and G is an alkylene or alkylidene or group such as ethylene, propylene, propylidene, isopropylidene, butylidene, butylene, isobutylidene, amylene, isoamylene amylidene, isoamylidene, neopentylene; a cycloaliphatic group such as cyclopentylene, or cyclohexylene; divalent hydrocarbon groups free of acetylenic unsaturation, an aromatic radical such as phenylene, naphthylene, biphenylene, substituted phenylene, etc.; two or more aromatic groups connected through nonaromatic linkages such as those defined by R, in formula Ill; an aralkyl radical such as tolylene, xylylene, etc. G should be free of amine, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, i.e., the acid of formula VI should be a difunctional compound in the present reaction system. As used hereinafter the structure 0 0 o -G--c -o is termed the residue of a dicarboxylic acid, and the structure is termed the residue of a monohydroxymonocarboxylic acid.

Included within the scope of this invention are the saturated, aliphatic dibasic acid extenders derived from straight chain paraffin hydrocarbons, such as malonic, dimethyl malonic, succinic, glutaric, adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic and sebacic acid. Also included are the halogen-substituted aliphatic dibasic acids. Aliphatic carboxylic acids containing hetero atoms in their aliphatic chain, such as thio-diglycollic or diglycollic acid can also be used. Also useful are olefinically unsaturated acids as, for example, maleic or fumaric.

Examples of suitable aromatic and aliphatic-aromatic dicarboxylic acids which may be used as extenders are phthalic, isophthalic, terephathalic, homophthalic, m-, and p-phenylenediacetic acid; the polynuclear aromatic acids such as diphenic acid, and l,4naphthalic acid, isopropylidene bis-phenoxyacetic acid.

Examples of hydroxy acid extenders are the aliphatic hydroxy acids such as hydroxybutyric acid, glycollic acid and lactic acid. Examples of aromatic and aliphatic-aromatic hydroxy acids are mandelic acid, p-, mand o-hydroxy benzoic acid. The hydroxy-substituted longchain fatty acids, such as l2-hydroxystearic acid may also be used. Cycloaliphatic acids including tetrahydrophthalic, tetrahydroterephthalic, tetrahydroisophthalic, 3,6-endomethylenetetrahydrophthalic acid, hexachloro-3,6-endomethylenetetrahydrophthalic acid or camphoric acid may also be used.

The extended polylactone diols produced in accordance with this invention are difunctional hydroxy terminated stable materials. While these low melting or liquid polymers are particularly useful in forming novel block copolycarbonates, they are useful in several other areas including as the polyol reactant used in producing polyurethane elastomers, spandex fibers, polyurethane sealants and flexible polyurethane foams as well as placticizers and tackifiers for various resins (e.g., polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers).

In producing the extended polylactone diols of the present invention the same solution technique using direct phosgenation for producing the block copolycarbonates of this invention may be employed.

The reaction is generally carried out at a temperature in the range of 0 30C. Higher temperatures are preferably avoided because of undesirable secondary reactions that may occur at temperatures above 30C.

In order to achieve the production of high molecular weight extended diols, it is necessary for the number of acid halide groups to be approximately equal to the number of hydroxyl groups. Accordingly, with gaseous reactants such as phosgene which are difficult to control, in order to avoid an excess amount in the reaction, most of the gaseous reactant (but less than the stoichometric amount) is passed rapidly in the reaction mixture with the remaining amount introduced slowly to bring the total amount in the reaction mixture to stoichometric proportions.

By the above precautionary steps in introducing phosgene, an undesirable excess of phosgene is avoided. As indicated earlier, generally an excess'of any of the reactant reduces the molecular weight of the resulting product.

It has been found that in the production of extended diols by the solution technique using a tertiary base, the higher the amount of tertiary base, the more efficient is the phosgene utilization.

The ratio of polylactone diol to extender may vary. When the extending agent is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic compound the polylactone diol is in an amount from 0.1 to 10 moles per mole of extender. When the extender is an aromatic compound, the polylactone diol is in an amount from l to ID moles per mole of extender.

Example 15 28 which follow relate to the preparation of extended polylactone diols in accordance with the present invention. A typical procedure for producing an extended polylactone diol is shown in detail in Example 15 and a preparation of a series of Polylactone III/Polyether I derived extended diols (Examples l6 22) is summarized in Table IV.

Examples 23 25 using neopentyl glycol and bispheno] A as extenders are summarized in Table V.

In Table VI is shown the percent hydroxyl and molecular weights of many of the extended diols summarized in Table IV and V. In Table VII, there is summarized additional examples of extended diols of this invention. Table VIII discloses melting point and glass transition data for three extended diols of the invention.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of the Extended Diol From Polylactone Ill and Polyether I (lzl Molar Ratio) Apparatus:

A I2-liter, round-bottomed flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, reflux condenser, thermometer, and dry-argon and phosgene inlet-tubes. The argon is circulated over the reaction mixture; phosgene is bubbled into the mixture. The addition of phosgene was made from a tank placed on a solution balance.

Reagents:

Polylactone III and Polyether I.

Methylene chloride and pyridine dried over 4A molecular sieves.

Phosgene about 99 percent purity.

Experiment:

Into the flask were charged: 330 gms. (0.6226 moles) of the Polylactone III, 124.52 gms. (0.6226 moles) of Polyether I, 5.6 l. CH CI and 625.4 ml. (7.7735 moles; 212.13 mole percent excess over the amount stoichiometrically required) of pyridine. The clear, practically colorless solution was cooled to about 4C. Addition of phosgene at a rate of about 3 gms. COCl /2 minutes (l2.l m mole percent min) was started. Approximately l0l gms. of phosgene (about 82 percent mole) were added at this rate (additional time: 72 minutes). During this period of time the temperature rose to 30C; the mixture was cooled to I 1C, and the slow addition of phosgene (rate: 4 g per 10 min. or 3.2 m mole percent/min.) started. It was continued until a total of 139 gms (12.5 mole percent excess over the amount required) of phosgene was added. A white precipitate of pyridine hydrochloride formed; the temperature of the reaction mixture rose to 265C at the end of the phosgenation. The reaction solution was very light-pink.

The excess of pyridine was neutralized with a solution of 438 ml. conc. hydrochloric acid in 2 liters of distilled water. The pink color disappeared on neutralization and a very light yellow organic layer was obtained.

The two-phase, aqueous acid/methylene chloride solution, system was stirred for 1 hr. and then decanted. The organic layer was given a series of waterwashes until the aqueous layer was neutral at the end of the wash. Total number of washes required: 4; each wash: 2 liters of distilled water; stirring times were 0.5 hr. for the first three, and 1 hr. for the last wash. Emulsions formed on washings and were broken by the addition of variable amounts of methanol.

The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The yellow, clear, viscous residue was then drie 1 t i l constant weight at about 60C under house vacuum. It was considered as being at constant weight when its weight loss over 24 hrs. under the drying conditions mentioned above was lower than 0.05 percent.

The yield of residue was 96.1 percent; RV (CHCig, 25C; 0.2 g/lOO ml.) 0.49.

All of the other extended diols of Examples 16 44 TABLE IV EXTENDED DlOLS BASED ON POLYLACTONE 111 AND POLYETHER l"-" Pyridine COCI Extended Diol Example No. Amount Excess Slow (gms) (m Mole Yield RV min.) Color/Appearance" 16 758.53 285.5 1.6 92.5 0.44 Golden-yellow, viscous Clear liquid. 17 758.53 285.5 1.6 95.7 0.44 Same as 1 18 758.53 285.5 1.6 93.9 0.44 Same as 1 19 758.53 285.5 3.2 91.9 0.82 Same as 1 20 758.53 285.5 3.2 91.04 0.85 Light-brown, viscous,

clear liquid 21 614.11 212.13 3.2 91.3 0.67 Same as5 22 614.11 212.13 3.2 87.3 0.63 Same as 5 "'Polylactone 111 is a poly1z-caprolactone) of mol. wt. about 530 produced using diethylene glycol as an initiator. "Polycther l is a polyethylene glycol of mol. wt about 200.

"The charge in all of the experiments was: 330 gms. (0.6226 moles) of Polylactone 111,124.52 gms. (0.6226 moles) of Polyelher l and 5.6 liters of methylene chloride. The fast addition of phosgenc was performed at the rate of 12.1 m mole i/min. and continued until 827: of it were added.

"'All extended diols displayed a typical ester ordor.

TABLE V ADDITIONAL EXTENDED DlOLS Ex- Reagents and Amounts Solvent, Pyridine COCl2 Extended Diol a le Amt. Amount Excess Fast Slow Yield RV Color/ No. (liters) (gms) Rate Rate Appar- (m mole lmin.) atus 23 Polylactone 111" Neopentyl CH Cl,, 1,024.04 420.5 12.1 3.2 93.2 048 Golden- 330 grns; 0.6226 m. Glycol 5.6 yellow 68.84 gms', viscous 0.6226 m. clear liquid 24 Polylactone lll Neopentyl CH CI 682 420 12.1"" 3.2 95.6 0.38 Golden 330 gms; 0.6226 m. Glycol 21.61 5.6 yellow gms; 0.2075 m. viscous clear liquid 25 Polylactone lll" Bisphenol-A CH Ch, 327.9 200 12.1" 3.2 97.4 0.29 yellow 330 gms; 0.6226 m. 15.77 gms; 5.6 clear 0.0691 m. liquid quite viscous "'All RV's in CHCL. at 25C. (0.2 g/lOO ml.) "'Polyte-caprolactone) of mol. wt. about 530.

TABLE V] PER CENT HYDROXYL AND MOLECULAR WEIGHTS 0 TH EXTEN Tatample No. Composition RV %HO Mol. Wt.

26 Polylactone 111 Polyether l 0.25 0.594 5,700 27 (1:1 molar ratio) 0.30 0.52 6,500 17 do. 0.44 0.246 13,800 18 do. 0.44 0.24 14,150 28 do. 0.52 0.196 17,350 22 do. 0.63 0.076 45,000 25 Polylaetone 111 Bisphenol-A 0.29 0.59 5,750

(9:1 molar ratio) 24 Polylactone 111 Neopentyl glycol 0.38 0.34 10,000

(3:1 molar ratio) 23 Polylactone 111 Neopentyl glycol 0.48 0.23 14,800

TABLE Y1: Continued PER CENT HYDROXYL AND MOLECULAR WEIGHTS OF THE EXTENDED DlOLS xample No. Composition RV %HO Mol. WU

(1:1 molar ratio) 29 Polylactone 111 Bisphenol-A 0.36 0.96 3,600

(1:1 molar ratio ""Polylactone 111 and Polylactone 11 are poly1e-caprolactones) of molecular weights-530 and 2.000 respectively. Polyether l is a polyethylene glycol of average molecular weight about 200.

""All RVs in CHCL at C. (0.2 gllOO ml.).

'"Calculated by assuming the presence of hydroxyl end-groups only.

TABLE Vll Preparation of Extended Dio1s" Ex- Component Final Rate of Yield RV Pyridine ample A B Phosgene Addition Excess No. (m mole %/min.)

30 Polylactone lll Butanediol-L4 2.1 60 0.52 400 31 do. Butanediol- 1 .4 5.5 52 0.61 200 32 do. Butanediol' 1.4" 3.9 77 0.45 250 33 do. Hexanediol-l.6" 3.1 93 0.72 400 34 do. 2,2-diethy1propanediol-l.3-" 2.3 90 0.47 160 35 do. Z-ethylhexanediol-l .3 3.3 94 0.23 400 30 do. 2.1 77 1.07 400 37 do. Polyether 1"" 3.7 90 0.78 400 38 do. do. 0.7 60 0.36 500 39 do. do 0.6 85 1.03 500 40 do. do 1.8 63 0.70 500 41 do. do 2.5 64 0.51 500 42 do. do 5.3 87 0.97 400 "Prepared by method of Example 15 at reaction temperature of 20C.

'All RVs in CHCL. (0.2 gms/l00ml).

Polylactone 111 is hydroxyl terminated polyt -caprolactone) mol. wt. about 530. "Describes the rate of addition of the last 40' of phosgene.

"'A/B 1:1 (molar) A/B 1:3 (molar) "'A/B 2:1 (molar) y cr l s a po y(ethylene glycol) of mol. wt. about 210. V 7

TABLE Vlll MELTlNG POINTS AND GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURES OF THE EXTENDED DlOLS Exam le No. Composition Extended Diol p Appearance RV M01 wt! Tg(C)" T,(C)*

43 Polylactone 111 Polyether 1 Liquid 0.28 6,100 20 (1:1 molar ratio) 44 do. do. 0.51 17,300"

l9 do. do. 0.86 50,000 -47.5

"All RV's in CHCL. at 25C (0.2 gll00 rnl.). "'Molecular weights by hydroxyl titration.

See Table A "approximately TABLE IX Carbonate Elastomers based on Preformed Extended Diols. Example No. Extended Diol Polymerization Color Polvmer RV" EH10 M01. Wt. Time(hr.) Temp.(C) React. Mixt. Coag. Polym. RV Yield 45 0.25 0.59 5.700 0.3 520 Light Yellow White 1.22 86.4 46 0.30 0.52 6,500 0.5 1623 do. do. 1.45 88 47 0.44 0.24 14,000 0.85 14-26 Pract. Colorless do. 1.17 87.7 48 0.44 0.24 14,000 1 0-23 Light-Yellow do. 1.37 87.5

All compositions were 6/4. extended diol/bisphenol-A (based on total diol charge only) (6/4 is weight ratio).

All experiments were performed on gms. of the extended diol and 40 gms. of bisphenol'A. Methylene chloride-(l liter) was the solvent. Pyridine mole il excess over the amount stoiehiornetrically required) was the catalyst and acid acceptor. The extented diols were prepared by phosgenation ot'equimolar amounts of Polylactone Ill and Polycther All RV's in (11(1 at 25C (0.2 g/ ml.).

The reaction mixtures were treated with aqueous hydrochloric acid and then washed with distilled water till neutrality. Polymers were isolated via coagulation in excess methanol.

Examples illustrating the preparation and properties of block copolycarbonates based on the extended diols Polylaetone Diol Extender l Solvent/pyridine COCL,

65 Extended Diol (Can be isolated or are tabulated hereinafter in Tables 1X thru XIV. The reacted in situ) I Dihydric Phenol preparation of the block copolycarbonate elastomer 1s Solvent/pyridine a two-step, one or two pot operation as shown: COCI,

Block Copolycarbonate TABLE X PRIMARY CRYSTALLINlTY IN CARBONATE ELASTOMER BA D ON P xtended RV of T,*(C) C) after exposure for Cry t. ample Diol M01. elas- O 0.25 0.5 l 3 5 8 13 16 24 l(3131 11; }at

No. Wt tomer hrs. at 100 C Polylactone 11 1.5 90 90 190 (po1y(ecaprolactone) mol. wt.

2,000)- 45 it ii I 1.45 m0 8 46 :600 1.22 55 75 175 180 5 48 14,000 1.37 70 70 180 190 3 47 14,000 1.17 7095' 190 0'25 1 All compositions were 6/4 (by wt.), soft block/hard block, based on total diol charge only. Compress1on-moldmg temperature was 200 C. 1 RVs on fluff, prior to polymer molding tcH Clfl, 25 C.. -2 9/ 1-1 a... Temperattire at which the t e fi si le modums 0f the elastomer 15 100 p.s.1. This 1s referred to as the T2 of the product. The extended diols were prepared by phosgenation of equimolar amounts of Polylactone 111 and Polyether l. See Table A.

TABLE X1 Pro erties of the Carbonat Elastomers Based on the Performed Ex d Ex- M01. Wt. of Mold RV of An- Tensile Elong. P. Imp. Tg T T T, ample Extended Temp. elastomer nealed Mod. Strength (ft.lbs/in') (C) No. Diol (C) (psi) (psi) 5,700 200 1.22 {No 432 3,110 605 55 Yes 1,940 3,590 605 45 175 46 6,500 200 1.45 No 500 3,660 550 1 Yes 1,710 3,480 665 40 190 47 14,000 200 1.17 {No 530 3,670 620 70,95

Yes 2,000 4,000 670 160 190 48 14,000 200 1.37 No 500 4,000 580 70 Yes 3,300 5,000 680 180 All extended diols were prepared by phosgcnation of e All compositions were 6/4, extended diol/bisphenol-Alha RVs on starting fluff, prior to molding. A11 RV's in CHCI 25C(0.2 g/100 ml. At 100C. times of annealing were Example 45-5 hours, Exam Temperature at which tensile modulus in 100 See Table A TABLE X11 ple 46-8 hours; Example 46-8 hours; Example 47- psi., referred to often as polymer melting points. See Table A quimolar amounts of Polylactone 111 and Polyether 1. set! on total diol charge on1y)6/4 is weight ratio).

15 minutes; Example 48-3 hours.

' Carbonate Elastomers Based on Extended Diols; I

Elastomer Example No. Extended Diols From RV Yield(%) Polylactone 11 Bisphenol-A LOO-2.40 95+ 49 Polylaetone 11 Neopentyl Glycol 1.45 89 5O Polylactone 11 1,2 Propylene Glycol 1.40 90.7

51 Polylactone 111 Tetraethylene Glycol 2.06 89.2

52 Polylactone 11 Ester-Diol 1 1.72 86.1

53 Polylactone 1+ Neopentyl Glycol 1.85(0.87,1.72) 87.l(88.8,82.7)

54 Niax Polyol D-520 1,2-Propy1ene Glycol 1.35 87.0

55 Niax Polyol D-520 Tetraethylene Glycol 2.06 81.8

56 Polylactone 111 Tetraethylene Glycol 0.96 86.7

vcly.

' TA 13112 811 1 m sphenol-Adichloroformate and Polylaetone 11 (CH rmate/Polylactonc 11 were 3/4 and 7/8 in these two r Pre arations of Carbonate E sto rs-"'- y wt., extended diol/bisphenol-A based on total diol charge.

tio. The extended diols were not isolated but use 15. Polylactone 111. l and 11 are h d in situ. Experimental ydroxyl-terminated po1y( s-caprolactones) of ,Cl; pyridine) was used to ans.

13.25.2211!- qg aet Preparations of Carbonate Elastomers Example No. Extended Diol Elastomer 4 Elastomer Rv*- -M 1 wt. RV view-1 Example R V m M01. Wt. RV tel 11% r 57 018 .200 (105 6O 71 0.65 45,000 1.44 85.7 5 033 ,200 0,93 35 72 0.65 45.000 1.47 82.2 59 028 6200 L1 1171): 73 0.05 45,001) 1.51 114.5 60 0.28 6,200 1.80 84.9 61 0.33 8,100 1.04 85.9 62 0.33 8,100 1.27 83.8 22 12:88 65 lgrcparcd hy the Z-step one pot operation. 65 0.49 (M00 090 84.6 efigrled out In (H,(l,/.pyr1d1r te. Wught ratio extended 66 0.49 16,100 1.01 85.7 All reaction mixtures were acid and water washed till neutrality prior to polymer 67 49 |6 l l() f isolation via coagulation in excess CH OH. 8 049 L35 g3 The extended diols were prepared by phosgenation of equimolar amounts of 9 0 9 [6"00 5 86.8 Polylactonc 111 and Polyethcr 1. 1 70 0.49 16,100 1.56 87.3

All RV's in CHCI, at 25C. (0.2 g/ ml.).

TABLE XlV Properties of Carbonate Elastgmgrs' Example RVof Elastomer Crystallization Mechanical Properties afler 16 hrs. at 100C No. Extended Diol RV hrs, 100C, T.M. 100%M 300%M T.S. E T, Remarks (psi) (psi) (psi) (psi) (70) (C) 68 0.49 1.35 I 1 2,000 520 700 3,200 9l5 Fast crystallizer.

Good Tensile. 69 0.49 1.45 1 2,000 600 800 3 ,300 1,000 Fast crystallizer. Good Tensile.

All elastomers were prepared from the extended diol made by phosgenation of equimolar amounts of Polylactone 111 and Polycther 1 Weight ratio extended diol/bisphenol-A was 7]]. All RV's in CHCl, at 25C (0.2 g/lOO ml.). All RVs on fluff, prior to molding.

The term "crystallization" ete. refers to primary crystallization throughout this table. This column gives the exposure times at 100C. 'llhat were required [or the developement of primary crystallinity in the elastomer.

One of such procedures involves the use of nucleating agents to increase the rate of primary crystallization. For example, crystallization rates of 15 30 minutes (at 100C) have been obtained compared to the large number of hours (e.g., 6 24 hours) required for annealing in the absence of nucleating agents. Examples of materials that may be used as nucleating agents are high density polyethylene, polypropylene, lexan, nylon, poly(ethylene terephthalate) microcrystalline cellulose, cabosil, marlex 50 polyethylene, carbon black, fullers earth, calcium carbonate, glycerine, and butyl benzyl phthalate.

As indicated earlier, the extent of annealing required for imparting the desired high temperature properties of block copolycarbonates having a hard bisphenol A- polycarbonate may be reduced by the use of an extended polylactone diol or by the use of a nucleating agent. Another way of reducing the extent of annealing is to substitute, in part or in full, a dihydric phenol that yields a more readily crystallizab'le polycarbonate for the bisphenol A that yields a polycarbonate that crystallizes slowly. Examples of such typical dihydric phenols are hydroquinone, 4,4 biphenol, 4,4 dihydroxy diphenyl sulfone, 4,4 dihydroxy diphenyl sulfoxide and 4,4 diphenyl sulfide.

In Tables XV XIX which follow, there are summarized the preparation and characterization of several hydroquinone and 4,4 biphenol based copolycarbonates. Such block-copolycarbonates were prepared by direct phosgenation of a mixture of hydroquinone or 4,4 biphenol (with or without bisphenol A) and the soft polylactone block. The process was essentially the same general method described hereinbefore with respect to the bisphenol A polylactone derived block copolycarbonates, the reaction being performed in methylene chloride/pyridine or s-tetrachloroethane/- pyridine solvent.

I elastomers. 1n the case of 4,4 biphenol the solvent resistance is somewhat less good (polymers being soluble to a certain extent in s-tetrachloroethane) but still overall excellent, much better than with bisphenol A as the hard block component.

TABLE XV Block Copolvcarbonates from Bisghenol-A Hydroguinone and Polyle-caprolactones) Ex- Reaction Color Polvmer ample Wt. Hydro- Time Reaction Coag.

No. Soft Block Bis A quinone (hrs.) Mixture Polym. RV Yield ('70) Remarks 74 Polylactone 1 35 15 1.25 Light- Practically 1.7 92.6 Crystallized from pink white solution.

75 Polylactone l 20 20 1.1 do. do. 0.98 92.8 do.

do. do.

76 Polylactone ll 35 0.33 do. Light-yellow 1.25"" 95 do.

77 Polylactone ll 30 15 1.33 Light- Light-pink 1.16 95.3 do.

brown 78 Polylactone 11 20 1.33 do. White 1.56 95 do.

79 Polylactone ll 15 1.75 Brown do. 0.89"" 95.2 do.

80 Polylactone ll 10 1.00 Light- Light-pink 1.23" 93.4 Soluble Brown 81 Polylactone ll 5 1.1 do. Light-yellow 1.39 94.8 do.

"The percentages are based on the total diol charge only.

"'Polylactone l is a poly(u-caprolaetone) of mo]. wt.-850; Polylactone 11 is a poly((-caprolactone) of mo]. wt.-2,0tltl.

""The temperat re of the reactions was kept within the interval of 0-40C;

all polymerizntions were run in CH ClJpyridine in the presence of a large excess of base (charge; gms. total diol in 1,000 m], total solvent; 6/4 by vol. CH,Cl,/pyridine) "All polymers were isolated by coagulation of the reaction mixture in excess methanol followed by in the Waring Blendor.

"'RV's in m'eresol, at 25Cl0.2 g./l00 ml.). "'RV's in CHCl,, at 25C(0.2 [.[100 ml.). 'Bisphenol-A several methanol and distilled water washes of the solid polymer 2 8: we km E sumo 95M n 3 2 6% E8 5 E 3 35222.5 N

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N 33 m3 #635368 0:88 B Amwcoau oawohvfiom 9E dzo sviwh -o=o:n m E3. m ES EQEOQo x85 2: o w wnem TABLE XVII Block Cogolycarbonates from Hydroguigong and Various 59ft Blocks Ex- Reaction ample Soft Block H dro uinone Time Color Pol mer Remarks No. WU" Mole WU" Mole" (Hrs.)" Keact. Cong. RV 7ield(%) 82 Polylactone l 80.43 0.84 Yellow Light- 0.20 91.2 Crystallized 19.57 Yellow from reaction solution. 83 Polylactone l 30 76.58 0.84 do. do. 0.46 92.9 Crystallized 23.42 from reaction solution. 84 Polylactone 1 25 71.79 0.5 Lightdo. 0.49 85.9 Crystallized 28.21 Brown from reaction solution. 85 Polylactone 1"" 20 65.43 2.33 do. White 0.90 89.6 Crystallized 34.57 from reaction solution. 86 Polylactone 1 15 57.38 0.9 Lightdo. 1.15 88 Crystallized 42.62 Yellow from reaction solution 87 Polylactone 1 10 45.69 0.4 Light- Tan 0.77 85.1 Polymer was soluble in CHCI and in the reaction solution. 54.31 Brown 88 Polylactone l 5 28.49 0.83 Brown Light- 1.22 87.9 Sticky, rubbery polymer; soluble in GHCI; and in reaction solution. 7151 Pink 89 Polylactone 11" 20 81.58 0.75 Darkdo. 0.77 88.4 Crystallized from reaction solution. 80 18.42 Pink "The percentages are based on the total diol charge only. "'l'he temperature of the reactions was kept within the interval of about l0-35C. All polymcrizations were run in CH of base.

'All polymers were isolated b in the Waring Blendor.

'All RV's in m-cresol. at 25C (0.2 g/l00 ml.). "Polylactone l is a polytz-caprolactone) of mol wt. about 850; Polylactone ll a poly(e-eaprolactone) of mol wt. about 2,000.

A onal Hvdrociuinone-Basgd Car a g 9mg Example No Soft Block, Wt."

Hyd roquinone Example 44 20 of Bisphenol-A TABLE XVIII Reaction Time (hrs.

React. Mixt.

Light Brown Light Tan bon te El' st rs C olor Coag. Polymer Tan Light-Tan White vts) Yield ,(Il lpyridinc in the presence of a large excess y coagulation of the reaction solution in excess methanol, followed by several methanol and distilled water washes of the solid polymer Remarks Crystallized from Solution.

C rystallized from Solution.

C rystallized from Solution.

Crystallized from Solution.

"Perecntages based on total diol charge only. *Reactions run in the temperature interval of -0-30C; polymers were isolated by coagulation of the reaction mixtures in excess methanol. followed by methanol and distilled water washes ol the fluff in the Waring Blendor. Extended diols from Polylactone 111 (a poly4-eaprolaelone of mol. weight -530) and Polyether l. at a 1:1 mole ratio. "'RYs in CHCI, at 25C. (0.2 31100 ml.).

'RYs in m-cresol. at 25C (0.2 ml.]. 'Reaetions run in CH,Cl,/pyridine with a 260' mole excess pyridine. "'Reactions run in S-TCE/pyridine with a 260! mole excess pyridine.

"Reaction run in (HJCb/pyridine in the presence of a large excess of pyridine.

TABLE XIX 4,4 Bisphenol, Wt

ol carbonates from Pol lactone and 4 4-Bis henol 'RVs in m-cresol. at 25C, (0.2 g/l00 ml.). Polylaclone l is a poly-c-caprolaclone of mol wt. 850.

What is claimed is:

1. An extended polylactone diol composition consisting essentially of the reaction product of l phosgene, (2) an extending agent having the formula HOYOH wherein Y is an alkylene group or two or more alkylene groups connected by an ether linkage and (3) a polylactone diol represented by the formula:

wherein Ris a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon radical or two or more such divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals joined by ether oxygen, R is H or monovalent in a 7* v WW? I *1 a? Y? n l-{lll l; QI' fij mieml N Patent No. 3 843 708 Dmed October 22, l 97 M. M'ltzner Irmentor(s) It is certified that error app-mare in the above-identified pate-u..- zmd that said Col. 7, Table I, under "Temp." in the heading of the seventh column should appear (C)-:--.

Col. 8, Table I, a horizontal line should appear under "Color and above \eaetion Mixture" and "Coag. Polym.

Col. 8, Table I, a horizontal line should appear under "Polymer" v and above WW and "Yield".

Col. 9, Table III, in the column headed "Bisphenol", "Di-hydroxbenzo should be Dihydroxybenzo- Col. 9, Table III, after footnote 4 the. following should appear -5. This RV was run in CHClg, at 25C. (0. 2 g. /lOO ml.)

Col. 12, line 25, the formulashould reed -cH -p--cH cH -ocl1 3H CH Patent 5,7 Dated October 22, 197d Invent r( Mo Matzner Page 2 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

footnote (b) the following should until 5 1?); of phosgene were added-- Until 85% of phosgene were added.

Col. 17, Table VII, in footnote (b), before the parenthesis should appear --,25C--- Col. 17, Table VII, in footnote (c) before caprolactone" should appear --e'- Col. 18, Table VII, below "Yield" in the column heading should appear (X )-v-.

Col. 19, Table. XII, 'Polylactowa III" appearing opposite "51" should be Iolylactone II--.

Col. 20, Table XI, under footnote 2, second occurrence an open parenthesis sign should ppear before "6/Lw Col. 27, line 20, the formula. should read e Signed and Scaled this eighteenth Of November 1975 [SEA-L] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Aucsmlg ()fju'er ('ummissz'nm'r u] PUH'I'IIS and Trademarks 'ORM PO-1050(10-69) USCOMM-DC 603766 69 u.s, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 930 

1. AN EXTENDED POLYLACTONE DIOL COMPOSITION CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF THE REACTION PRODUCT OF (1) PHOSGENE, (2) AN EXTENDING AGENT HAVING THE FORMULA HO-YOH WHEREIN Y IS AN ALKYLENE GROUP OR TWO OR MORE ALKYLENE GROUPS CONNECTED BY AN ETHER LINKAGE AND (3) A POLYLACTONE DIOL REPRESENTED BY TGE FORMULA:
 2. An extended polylactone diol composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the extending agent is a polyether diol having a molecular weight up to 2,000. 